Terik Parascak
2023-24 Team: Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Date of Birth: May 28, 2006
Place of Birth: Lethbridge, AB, CAN
Height: 5-foot-11, Weight: 179 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: RW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2024 first-year eligible
Rankings:
- The Hockey Writers (Baracchini): 26th
- The Hockey Writers (Horn): 32nd
- NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters): 14th
- TSN (Bob McKenzie): 27th
- Sportsnet: 26th
- Future Considerations: 59th
- Dobber Prospects Mid-Season Rankings: 23rd
Terik Parascak is an offensive powerhouse who exploded with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) this season. He has elevated his game at both ends of the ice and is lined up to be a late first-round or early second-round pick. His ability to find the back of the net is impressive, and while his skating ability could use some work, many teams could use a player like him in their prospect pool. If he continues to grow offensively, he could become a solid top-six forward.
He has flown up NHL mock draft charts this season more than any other player, and for good reason. He is ninth in the WHL in points and has shown his offensive ability to be his biggest strength. He has a great shot, is very strong around the front of the net, and has a high hockey IQ for a rookie. His defensive game is okay, but he doesn’t stand out in his own end by any means, and he can continue to work on that. His stride is the biggest issue, and he will need to clean it up if he wants to make the NHL someday.
Related: THW’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
Parsacak’s biggest strength is his offensive game. He has 43 goals and 103 points through 66 games this season. For a rookie to be putting up numbers like this is impressive, and he has earned a lot of attention. Defensively, he needs some work on his positioning and his consistency, but that should come with a few more seasons of development.
His skating is what will prevent him from being selected in the top 10. Offensive skill alone, he is arguably one of the strongest in his draft class. Unfortunately, teams are looking for complete players with their early picks, and Parascak still has some touch-ups to focus on before he is ready to make the jump to the professional level. There is no doubt he could make it to the NHL one day, it will just take some major improvements.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Terik Parascak – NHL Draft Projection
Parascak is a wizard offensively, but his defensive lapses may drop his draft stock. He should be a late first-round pick and could be selected somewhere between 20-28, but there is a chance he slips into the second round and goes as late as 40th overall. His draft position will depend on whether teams are willing to work with him to improve his defensive structure, and whether or not they think he’s willing to work on his skating.
Quotables
“Incredibly intelligent forward with decent puck skills and great feel for the game. Skating needs to improve massively, but has the upside to become a top-six, two-way forward.” – Hadi Kalakeche, Dobber Prospects
“One of those players with that innate ability to go to where the puck will be and always has an option in all zones. He is composed under pressure, connects with tape to tape passes and has shown a consistent finishing ability. One of the more naturally talented prospects in the 2024 draft class, he plays on both special teams and has deceptive speed & quickness that always makes him a scoring threat.” – 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game: Terik Parascak Scouting Report
Strengths
- Offensive wizard
- Hard shot
- Smart passer
- Attacks the net well
- Great hands
Under Construction – Improvements to Make
- Skating ability
- Physicality
- Defensive IQ
NHL Potential
Risk-Reward
Risk: 4/5, Reward: 4.25/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense: 8.25/10, Defense: 6.25/10
Awards and Achievements
2021-22: CSSHL U16 most goals and points & MVP
2022-23: CSSHL U18 Champion
Interviews/Links
Youtube: Terik Parascak Media Availability
Podcast: The Great Canadian Hockey Podcast featuring Terik Parascak